Recovering addicts attempt to remain sober by adopting some of the coping skills and tools learned at the drug alcohol rehab center. They have also identified triggers that can lead them to a relapse. As addiction recovery ensues, they become more confident about their sobriety and are willing to share with family members about the problems their addiction caused and their goal to stay clean. Family can be helpful to this ongoing process if they listen without expressing harsh judgments and criticisms and also communicate their belief in the recovering person's ability to maintain their addiction recovery.

It is important that the addict's family members make it known that the recovering addict has their full support and can turn to family anytime they feel a relapse coming. Empathy is necessary in keeping a recovering addict at ease and this, combined with family therapy, ensures long-lasting recovery. Family members are further encouraged to go with the recovering addict to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous as well as individual therapy sessions that can help them cope with living with an addict. This typically helps strengthen family bonds while bolstering an addict's recovery.

Remember, it is after drug alcohol addiction treatment that a supportive family will make the most difference in an addict's recovery.

One mistake family members make is trying to help an addict instead of letting them deal with the consequences of their drug alcohol addiction. This is commonly referred to as enabling. It has a rescue mentality attached to it, where the addict depends on the family for help in assisting them clean up the "wreckage of their past." The addict may even think that if they relapse, their family will be there to rescue them. Enabling an addict usually does not help them to deal with their drug or alcohol problem and works to hinder their goal of addiction recovery. Family members should become aware of this trap so that they do not help an addict back into active drug alcohol addiction.

Maintaining addiction recovery is a daily and unending process. The more support a recovering addict receives, the easier it will be for them to commit to that drug alcohol addiction recovery.